Don Bosco Muhazi TVET-Short-Course Graduates Ready to Transform Skills into Opportunity
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by
pdo
MUHAZI, 5th September, 2025 – Young people and adults who recently completed short-term vocational courses at Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School are eager to translate their newly acquired skills into tangible opportunities, using them as a source of income and a means to improve their daily lives. The courses are designed for past students and members of the community.
A certificate award ceremony was held on Friday, September 5, 2025, to recognize the achievements of 48 participants (31 men and 17 women, representing 35.4% female participation) in programs covering Embroidery, pastry, welding, electricity, Plumbing, and ICT. These one-month intensive trainings, which began on August 11, 2025, were organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco through Projects Department in Kigali, underscoring commitment to community development and empowerment. Six participants left the training before completion due to searching for daily bread.
The training program has evolved since 2022, with new modules introduced each year:
2022: Bakery & Pastry
2023: ICT and Welding
2024: Domestic Electricity and Plumbing
2025: Embroidery
In 2025, embroidery was added as a new complementary module. This brings the total to 6 modules. The curriculum includes:
Bakery & Pastry: Selection and proper use of equipment, suitable recipes, preparation of various doughs, personalized decoration, and safety standards.
ICT: Introduction to computer science, computer and peripherals, Microsoft Office suite, and internet applications.
Welding: Use and maintenance of welding tools, welding machines and safety techniques, and practical welding on different materials.
Domestic Electricity: Basic standardized symbols, electrician’s tools, materials, safety, wiring diagrams, and household installations.
Plumbing: Tools and equipment, plumbing materials, and installation of sanitary equipment.
Embroidery: Hand and machine embroidery, knowledge of fabrics, threads, needles, motif transfer techniques, application to clothing and household items, and entrepreneurship.
Participants expressed strong confidence in their readiness to apply their new skills. Nyirabagara Sandrine, an electrical training graduate, highlighted her comprehensive knowledge of household electrical equipment installation. Sandrine who previously pursued both Tailoring, recognizes the value of having versatile skills to navigate the job market. “I am going to use the knowledge I gained here in my daily life, and I believe it will help me build a better future,” she stated.
Izabayo Olivier, another electrical course graduate with a background in construction, emphasized the expanded job prospects his new skills offer. “The knowledge I acquired here will help me find my place in the job market, and it will allow me to develop myself as well as contribute to the community. I am also ready to share what I’ve learned with my peers so they too can move to the next level,” he said.
Ufitishimwe Deborah, a welding trainee, shared an inspiring story of empowerment, mastering the creation of doors and windows – a trade traditionally dominated by men. “Whether male or female, we can all weld and do it well. I am ready to apply the skills I’ve acquired to meet my basic needs without having to depend on anyone else,” Deborah confidently asserted.
Father Frédéric Murindangabo, the Director of the School who is also the Salesian Provincial Vicar, urged the graduates to seize this unique opportunity and emphasized that the skills they have gained are intended to transform their lives and positively impact their communities.
The Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School’s commitment to providing relevant and practical skills is clearly making a difference, empowering individuals to build brighter futures and contribute to the economic growth of their communities. Despite challenges such as the short training period, a limited budget for consumables, and the availability of only one embroidery machine, the success of these short-term programs demonstrates the vital role vocational training plays in fostering self-sufficiency and opportunity.
The trainers and students express their sincere appreciation to the Salesians of Don Bosco, Don Bosco Muhazi, the training coordinators, and the skilled trainers for their support. Recommendations for future programs include extending the training period to two months, providing more materials, encouraging women’s participation, and developing partnerships with local businesses.
The 2025 short-term training at Don Bosco Muhazi marked an important milestone with the expansion of training modules, particularly through the introduction of Embroidery. The program continues to play a vital role in empowering young people and promoting local employment. With further improvement and expansion, its positive impact on the community will only grow stronger.
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